3) Algae + Mold Inhibitor: Sealing your pavers will inhibit algae and mold growth. Sealed pavers dry quickly which will minimize mold growth caused by moisture and humidity.
Sealing the surface means no water can ingress into the fabric of the paving material. This will prevent the access of water providing the conditions for mould, algae and fungi to thrive. An excellent method of sealing is to firstly apply a coat of a biocide such as Centrecoat GS36 followed by a surface sealer.
If your pavers have been sealed, which is a service that we offer, it's a lot easier to maintain and it does slow down mold growth for the simple fact that when your pavers are unsealed, that moisture will sit in the joints and make mold grow. Mold likes damp, dark areas.
Your pavers won't disintegrate if you don't seal them, but they'll likely fade much sooner than if you applied sealant. You'll also need to clean them more often, and the stains won't be as easy to remove. If the joint sand loosens, you risk damage and instability.
How often do I need to reseal my pavers? If your sealant has been applied correctly by a professional, it should last between two to three years. The care given to the area and other elements like traffic or weather will also play a part in its longevity.
Fall or spring is a great time of the year to seal pavers. Cooler weather allows the sealer to penetrate into the pavers unhindered.
The mold on pavers problem occurs when algae and/or mold and other fungal types grow on damp or moisture-laden pavers. The answer is to eliminate the presence of moisture from underneath. Without moisture, the algae/mold cannot survive.
Then, about 24 hours prior to sealant application, thoroughly cleanse pavers of any remaining residue with Techniseal's Paver Prep, a powerful efflorescence cleaner that will give you a nice clean surface on which to work. Our paver preparator also maximizes sealant penetration and adherence.
Paver sealant is an important maintenance tool to keep paver patios, walkways, driveways, and pool decks looking as beautiful as the day they were installed. Concrete is porous and will absorb stains if not sealed. The sun and weather also can cause your paver color to fade.
Most contractors and manufacturers recommend sealing pavers for the many benefits. Both concrete and brick pavers are porous materials that can change quality and appearance when they absorb liquids.
How Much Does It Cost to Clean and Reseal Pavers per Square Foot? In total, you should expect to pay around $2 per square foot to clean and seal pavers. The price may vary between $1 and $3 per square foot, depending on the sealant and method of cleaning.
If vinegar does not do the trick, you can also try mixing about a cup of bleach for each gallon of water and using this as your mold-killing spray solution.
If you are prepared to use chemicals to remove algae, lichen and moss from your pavers, it is important that you use plastic sheeting to protect other plants in the vicinity. A solution of one cup bleach to four litres of water should do the trick.
Clean the area or surface regularly and use a specialist green stain remover, such as our Green Growth Remover, which helps prevents regrowth and delays it coming back. Good drainage and air circulation. Don't place your favourite pine wood planter in a dark, shady corner. Move your patio furniture around regularly.
Algae and lichens prefer to grow in damp, humid areas. They need plenty of water to grow and often paved patios do not have sufficient drainage to stay dry. Algae also grows faster in shaded areas as water does not evaporate as quickly.
The acetic acid in vinegar is a little stronger than acid rain, so exposing your pavers to this substance can lead to bleaching, corrosion and the loss of protective sealant.
You pressure clean the pavers, re-sand the paver joints and then apply two coats of your favorite paver sealer and the job was complete.
Even though Belgard® pavers are extremely durable and come with a lifetime structural warranty, seasonal maintenance is encouraged to preserve the beauty and integrity of your hardscape installation. To keep pavers looking their best, plan to clean and reseal them every three to five years.
Once a concrete paver is sealed, DIY upkeep is pretty simple. Generally, interior pavers that have been grouted and sealed just need to be swept, mopped, and spot-cleaned as needed with a gentle, non-acidic multipurpose cleaning solution, such as Enviro Klean All Surface Cleaner or Light Duty Concrete Cleaner.